The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) Cree 150 Immersion is an intense four-week crash course in the Cree language.

Jusinda Rosenkerr, an FNUniv indigenous social work student, took the course because she needed a language credit for her degree. She went into it with no expectations, but is taking a lot more out of it than just a university credit.

“I know a lot of Cree and so I feel proud and I feel empowered,” she said. “It gave me more confidence to build relationships because I am new to this university.”

This is the fifth year the university has offered the class. But, this year, it was opened up to casual students, which meant anyone could register for it.

As part of the course, the students are required to come up with a final class project.

“One year we did Wheel of Fortune, which was really fun,” said Bill Cook, FNUniv language instructor.

So on Monday, the immersion class students presented their final class project mikiwahp kiskinwahamamakewina — teepee teachings.

Under the guidance of elder Noel Starblanket, the female students put together a teepee and as each pole was put in place, teachings such as obedience, respect, humility, happiness, love, faith, kinship, cleanliness, thankfulness, good child rearing and hope were explained in Cree, then in English.

Cook admitted that when it comes to cultural components, his knowledge is limited, which is why he is happy to have elders like Starblanket on hand to provide that information.

He said it’s important to include cultural activities into the class because language and culture are intertwined.

As part of the immersion class, students participate in a language culture camp, so students can have both experiences.

At the teepee raising event, Starblanket explained that traditionally it was the women who cared for the homes, which was why the women raised the teepee.

Rosenkerr said the class has positively impacted her life because in addition to awakening a love for the Cree language she made new friends and learned more about the Cree culture.

Now that the class has concluded, Cook hopes the students will leave with a bit more knowledge.

“It’s a really intense course — a lot of information at one time,” he said. “It is a lot of work on the student, not just in class but they do have to do a lot work.”

Cook said there is a real need for more indigenous language speakers and although the university is doing what it can to help preserve languages, it takes the individual to commit to learning it.

He hopes now that the class is open to anyone interested in learning Cree that there will be more participants next year.

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